Gas remained the largest single source of the country's electricity generation in August, despite total gas demand decreasing by 10% from July and by 7% compared to the same time last year.
New figures from Gas Networks Ireland also show that gas was critical in periods of low wind, reinforcing the importance of the gas network in maintaining security of supply for the electricity system.
Gas Network Ireland said gas remained the country's biggest and most reliable energy source during August, contributing 37% to electricity generation, down from 45% in July and 44% in August last year.
At its highest point, gas provided 73% of our electricity needs, while at times of increased wind energy generation, gas supplied just 13%.
It noted that between August 28 and 31, gas generated 53% of the country's electricity, while wind dropped to just 21%. During this time, gas surged to a peak of 73% and never fell below 23%.
Meanwhile, electricity generated by wind energy increased significantly to 34% in August, up from 22% in July and matching its August 2023 performance. At its peak, wind energy supplied 74% of the country's electricity but fell to less than 1% during calm periods.
Gas Network Ireland said that as schools and colleges re-opened their doors towards the end of August, the education sector recorded a 53% gas demand increase year-on-year, while the office complex sector also recorded a demand increase of 21%.
Gas Networks Ireland's Head of Strategy and Regulation, Edwina Nyhan, said that while August was a strong month for wind energy, with unseasonably strong winds recorded, there were still periods where wind generation fell away significantly.
"Gas remained the ever-reliable back-up for Ireland's electricity grid, ensuring the lights stayed on. Between August 28 and 31, gas supplied over half of the electricity needs, peaking at 73% and demonstrating how vital a flexible resilient gas network is to Ireland's energy system," she added.
